Be humble for there will always be someone better
Becoming Humble
I like to tell my karate kids on their awards ceremony, be proud inside, but be humble on the outside, for there is always someone better. When they lose in a karate game, I tell them it is always important to be a good loser for the same reason—there will always be someone better. Maybe not right now, but down the line an outstanding player will appear that will be better than you. You may be the gold medalist in the Olympics, but will you always be the best in the world? No, that is life.
A Lesson in Humility
As a recent recipient of the blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I started feeling pretty sure of myself when able to tap out the white belts. Then along comes a higher-ranked purple belt, substantially smaller than me, who can tap me out at will. I needed it to remind myself there is always someone better, and also to remind myself that there is lots of work ahead. This can be discouraging if you let it, but it also motivates you to train harder.
The Mark of a True Champion–Humility
The most important lesson of humility is empathy. You need to wear a loser’s shoes so you know what it feels like to lose. It will make you a better winner. The purple belt told me I had a strong defence, but just needed to make a few adjustments. I felt much better. And unselfishly, he showed me how to shut down some of his attacks for next time. Now there is a true champion and a master instructor.
What have you learned about being humble in your life?
I recently brought some of my students to try out for a place on the N.Ireland Sports Jujitsu Squad. One student in particular, who thought his grappling game was good, got choked out by a sixteen year old, ten years his junior. “I don’t even know how he got me into that hold,” my student remarked later, suitably humbled by the experience. It was good for him. It wiped away his arrogance. Next time he will step on the mats with a more humble attitude and be more respectful of his opponent. I only expect my students to give it their best in competition, for as you say, there is always someone out there better than you. It has to be more about the experience of taking part than about winning or losing. If you can learn to go into it with that kind of attitude, then the experience will have been worth it, no matter the outcome.
Thanks Neal for commenting and welcome to our blog! I have seen this same experience time and again. It certainly “wipes away the arrogance” to be humbled, as you so eloquently state.
karate-kids.com.au is awsome, so many interesting content is here
Thank you sports streaming live!
Never thought blogging could be soo fun and interesting. Man you know how to do it brother.
Thanks Leone! I am having lots of fun, and learning a lot.